Father Peter Clem Blesses Parishioners’ Pets on the 2024 Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi

Father Peter Clem, a Parochial Vicar, shared a blessing and sprinkled holy water on the people and animals who gathered in the Wolfe Street parking lot this afternoon. It was in honor of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals.

Here is a prayer in honor of the event:

Blessed are you, Lord God,
Maker of all living creatures.
On the fifth and sixth days of creation,
you called forth fish in the sea,
birds in the air and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all animals
his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless these animals gathered about us.
By the power of your love,
enable these creatures—our sisters and brothers—to
live according to you plan.
May we always praise you for your beauty in creation.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen